The Lovereading4Kids comment

Brilliantly created in mesmerising black and white spreads, this stylish graphic novel is a spell-binding gothic story of an unusual inheritance. Woven through with magic, the story tells how young magician Salem returns to his father’s house unsure of what he will find. His discoveries and his responses to them are described in an imaginative feast of words and pictures. Graphic novels are often great at getting reluctant readers reading. Why not check out our ever-expanding range of graphic novels that we rate.

Synopsis

Salem Brownstone: All Along the Watchtowers by John Harris Dunning, Nikhil Singh

This is a sumptuous and rich gothic fantasy following the adventure of Salem Brownstone as he falls into a strange and magical world after the death of his father. As he twists the key and slowly creeps into the grand gothic mansion left to him in his father's will, Salem's life takes a decidedly unusual turn. Aside from the money and house, his father's secret legacy includes an unfinished battle with creatures from a world beyond ours. Immediately thrown into the sinister conflict, Salem must make contact with his guardian familiar and get help from the colourful performers of Dr Kinoshita's Circus of Unearthly Delights, if he is to ward off the evil spirits and avoid the tragic fate of his father. This title is intended for fans of Tim Burton, Edward Gorey, H.P. Lovecraft and Aubrey Beardsley. It is a beautifully giftbound edition providing perfect enjoyment on a dark Halloween's night.

Reviews

About the Author

Nikhil Singh on Nikhil Singh:

As a child:

It is always difficult being raised on an alien world. Venus is no exception. Perhaps it was the oceans of liquid carbon, crushing gravitational fields and storms of ammoniac cloud which made me yearn for greener pastures. Earth seemed the most providential destination, though acquiring a human host was extremely taxing and cost me many centuries of waifing across the void and over partially populated continents. My childhood was spent as a whisper in children's minds, a fever in Triassic jungles, A God in various Sumerian hell holes and a ghost at the bottom of ancient and desolate wells. But now just pretending to be human is good enough for me.

As an adult

I studied under a dark cloud. I lived in an ivory tower. My drawing career began with chiseling hieroglyphs into the walls of pyramids. Not much has changed.

As an artist

I will probably be killed by aliens if I divulge my secret work.

Things you didn't know about Nikhil Singh

1. I have an electric blue glitter spacesuit and I know how to use it. 2. I worked in a cannibal mermaid sushi bar before I had lungs. 3. I believe that cats rule the world. 4. I became human after losing a bet 5. I take not being serious very seriously 6. I'll perform tarot readings for ANYONE who asks 7. I am the illegitimate love-child of Louise Brooks and The Cheshire Cat 8. I'm vegan 9. I believe in fairies 10. I didn't finish school!